Anyone else feel this way? Median household income is $77,636, which feels about average for the area. Crime rate is something to consider -Guttenberg sits at 239.2 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Has anyone dealt with this? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
12 upvotes
11 Replies
Jessica M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value weather, you'll love it. The outdoor recreation is genuinely challenging and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Old Town) is wild and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Baltimore, be prepared for the culture shock. dating scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
36 upvotes
Lily Jackson
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. outdoor recreation used to be much competitive but now it's hit or miss.
34 upvotes
Ezra Hughes
I've lived in Uptown for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good airport with direct flights
- The job market scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for couples. Feel free to reach out with questions..
33 upvotes
Ruby Jones
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 14 years. Moved from Baltimore for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. real estate is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is solid - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are hit or miss. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited shopping options. Limited entertainment options. And outdoor recreation can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
33 upvotes
Autumn Parker
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if nightlife matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
19 upvotes
Declan A.
Used to live on the West side, now on the Westside side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
17 upvotes
Luna
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 12 years ago. The main reasons were school and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is underrated.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
14 upvotes
Amelia Jones
I've been living here for 8 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The walkability is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
13 upvotes
Sebastian W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Lakewood for 11 years. Moved from Austin for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Lakewood schools are improving. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Limited public transit options. Nightlife is limited. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
9 upvotes
Quinn Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 26, moved here 5 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Lakewood and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The walkability situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is stable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
6 upvotes
Eva Smith
The food scene here is improving. Tons of great sushi places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
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